When should I replace my pillow?

If you’ve read our blog you’ll know that we offer plenty of advice about how to get a great night’s sleep. We’ve got our top tips:

https://helmii.com/blogs/helmii-blog/8-top-tips-for-a-perfect-night-s-sleep

We also talk about when to replace your mattress (in case you haven’t read our blog it’s at least every 7 years!!):

https://helmii.com/blogs/helmii-blog/when-should-i-replace-my-mattress

And we’ve also discussed how to pick the perfect mattress:

https://helmii.com/blogs/helmii-blog/how-to-pick-the-perfect-mattress

But what else might be causing you to have an interrupted night or wake up feeling stiff and old before your time. You may even be thinking you really are an insomniac?

Your Pillow

Photo by Rhema Kallianpur on Unsplash

One vital piece in the formula of a perfect night’s sleep is your pillow. You may think a pillow lasts forever, just like your mattress!? But, just like your mattress you really do need to change it.

You may have invested in the latest state of the art mattress, or you might even be thinking about buying our amazing helmii mattress, but, as you lie in your bed ideally for at least 8 hours of blissful relaxing sleep, unless your body and spine are perfectly aligned, then the same old problems could occur. Just like your mattress the perfect pillow should offer the correct support for your head, neck and spine. When your pillow loses it’s ability to provide the correct support then you could suffer from back ache, aching limbs or just plain grumpiness.

Why do we forget about our pillows?

The problem with pillows is they are so small we often we forget about them. Like most people in the UAE you’ve probably moved at least 2-3 times and each time your small, easy to move pillow follows you, and so you hang on to it, far too long. A sure sign is the brown-edged drool stains, and the visible lumpy inside.

Hygiene

As you sleep your body will seep sweat, oil, hair and dead skin cells, as well as drooling! Ewh  This can also make the pillow smell and create the perfect environment for dust mites or other allergens.

If you have a synthetic or down pillow you can wash it every six months and use a pillow protector in between your pillow and pillowcase. This will help protect against sweat and drool. The hot water and a mild detergent used in the wash will also help to get rid of any dust mites as well.

However, while washing will make your pillow more hygienic, it won’t extend the life of your pillow or provide the support and comfort you need. So, as you sleep at night, it eventually breaks down all the fluffy inner and it becomes lumpy and lacking support

Down and feather pillows will be more durable and last a little longer than those with synthetic fillings but, ultimately, they all lose their shape. Hence the saying flat as a pancake

How do I know if I need to change my pillow?

Some experts say every three years. Others say replace your pillow every year. You can check to see if any of the foam or filling in the pillow is lumpy. Synthetic pillows will need replacing more frequently.  If you use a feather pillow, ask yourself if you constantly have to fluff it up to support your head or does it still do this on its own.

If you prefer a soft lower pillow, you may be able to keep hold on to it for four years. But, if you like a firmer plusher pillow, we recommend replacing it every two or three years.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests a test that will prove if your pillow needs replacing. Fold it in half and let go. If it stays folded, it's time for a new one.